Good morning, Columbus.

On Aug.23, over 300 Columbus State University students volunteered 634 hours to aid 14 local nonprofits—delivering nearly $20,700 in service value and supporting groups like PAWS Humane Society and National Infantry Museum.

Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce named Shan Cooper of Journey Forward Strategies LLC as the recipient of the 2025 Blanchard Servant Leadership Award at the Congressional Luncheon in Columbus—recognizing her commitment to service and ethical leadership.

Columbus Police Department is seeking help finding Erin Collier, who went missing over seven years ago and was last seen in Columbus — anyone with details is urged to contact Sgt. Christy Edenfield at 7062254344 as a reward is offered.

Law enforcement agencies including GOHS, GSP, ALEA, and local police held sobriety road checks in Columbus and Phenix City Monday at 6:00 p.m. at Victory Mission Church (3448 North Lumpkin Road) as part of the Hands Across the Border campaign aimed at curbing drunk and drugged driving ahead of Labor Day weekend.

Yesterday, the Muscogee County School District hosted a reception at the Columbus Museum with ten middle school students from Kiryū, Japan to honor a sister-city bond that began in 1977—local hosts and families from Richards Middle School and Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts will join planned cultural activities next week to share traditions and build international friendships.

The Columbus Police Department will swear in four new K9 officers on Monday — the largest K9 unit in its history — including Belgian Malinois Colt and Neytiri, German Shepherd Havoc, and Dutch Shepherd Redd.

K9 Frog will also transition into a new role, boosting the department's capabilities in narcotics and explosive detection.

Columbus Parks and Rec will join Morehouse School of Medicine and local partners to host the Health, Hope and Healing Wellness Fair — a free event offering health screenings, prayer, and rapid HIV test kits in honor of National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

The fair will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Aug. 30th at the Shirley Winston Recreation Center at 5025 Steam Mill Road.

Chilton and other pets are ready for adoption at Paws Humane Society—families can visit the shelter to learn more about welcoming a new companion.

12-year-old powerlifter Nash Earwood (Big Nash) from Columbus trains at 4.0 Fitness as he prepares to break the state bench press record in early September at the USA Powerlifting Competition in Ringgold.

He unofficially lifted 255 pounds during training and follows strict safety steps under Coach Terrance Flowers' guidance.

Wilson Meadows Concert

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Columbus Civic Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of soulful music by Wilson Meadows featuring hits like 'Just Like I Promised'.

Lee-Scott Academy vs. St. Anne-Pacelli Volleyball Match

5-6 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Catch the exciting non-conference volleyball match between local teams Lee-Scott Academy and St. Anne-Pacelli.

Hiking with Fortitude

9 AM – 1 PM — Burger King — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit and enjoy the outdoors with a group hike.

Career Inspiration Day

11 a.m. — 1 p.m. — 6001 Buena Vista Rd, Columbus, GA — Free entry — Unlock potential by inspiring young minds through career exposure and real-life opportunities.

Faith Chapel Homecoming Celebration

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Columbus State University — Free entry — Celebrate unity, love, and togetherness at a vibrant homecoming event filled with faith and fellowship.

The Wiz

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Cost info not provided — Experience the funkadelic twist of the beloved Broadway classic that brings a fresh mix of rock, gospel, and soul to the story of The Wizard of Oz.

Kelly Price & Friends Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of R&B with Kelly Price and an amazing lineup of classic artists.

2025 Georgia Entertainment Signature 100 and Unscripted

5-7:30 p.m. — The Loft — Free entry — Celebrate local creativity with insights into the film, music, and gaming industries.